Nautilus International is an independent, influential, global trade union and professional organisation, committed to delivering high quality, cost-effective services to members, and welfare support to necessitous seafarers, their dependants and other maritime professionals.

Nautilus works with members, the maritime community, national governments and international agencies to create change, which improves the lives of maritime professionals. We give a voice to maritime professionals from the very beginning of their training, throughout their employment and into retirement.

In this section, you can find out about the Union's legal and welfare services to members. You can also find information about some of the issues members face and suggestions on what you can do about them.

Orkney Ferries Officers Vote for Industrial Action

3 January 2018

Press release

Members from the maritime professionals' union Nautilus International have voted by a massive majority in favour of taking industrial action in the latest stage of a long-running pay dispute with Orkney Ferries.

A ballot of members serving with the company showed 21 voting for taking industrial action short of a strike, with just one member against.

Nautilus has informed Orkney Ferries of the result and has indicated its willingness to meet management for further discussions on the issues.

National ferry organiser Micky Smyth commented: "The ballot results are very clear and reflect the long-running frustration of our members about their pay and conditions.

"Independent research conducted in response to those concerns demonstrated that the salaries of our Orkney Ferries members are around 10% below those of other officers carrying out the same duties in comparable ferry companies.

"Our 2017 pay claim – which was submitted whilst we were discussing the results of the study with management – sought an increase over the March RPI inflation rate of 3.2%, as well as a further seven days of annual leave entitlement.

"However, management has failed to move from their position of an offer for a 1.5% increase, which falls far short of our members' aspirations." Mr. Smyth added: "We have attempted to resolve this matter amicably, but to no avail so far. We therefore urge the company to think very seriously about the emphatic results of this ballot and to revert with meaningful proposals to address the concerns of our members."